If you have a loved one in short-term rehabilitation, you want to do everything you can to make their life comfortable. The medical and support staff will be taking care of their medical needs. However, there are some things that you can do to help. If there was a hospital stay before rehab, your loved one is probably tired of the traditional hospital wardrobe. Unfortunately, physical limitations might make dressing themselves difficult. Here are a few ways you can help your loved one return to a sense of normalcy.

Slip On Shoes

Many rehabilitation centers will allow street clothes to be worn by their clients. Shoes can be difficult to put on, especially if they are the lace-up type. A pair of comfortable slip-ons will allow your loved one to put their own shoes on. Be sure they have good traction on the bottom to prevent falls.

Elastic Waist Pants

Pants are another clothing item that can be difficult to put on, especially if your loved one is having difficulty with fine motor skills. Their fingers might not be able to grasp the zipper. Soft elastic waist pants will help your loved one transition to street clothing without the frustration that a zipper can bring.

Shirts That Snap

If you've ever tried to button a shirt when your hands were asleep, you know what a challenge that can be. Fine motor skills are often limited during rehabilitation, especially if the medical condition has affected the hands or brain. Instead of providing shirts that button, try finding some with snaps. The snaps are easier to maneuver than small buttons. You might also want to consider pullover shirts.

Bathrobes That Tie

Privacy is almost non-existent when you're in a nursing home or rehabilitation center. You can make shower time more private by giving your loved one a bathrobe to wear. Be sure that it has a tie so that they can keep it closed during shower time.

Bedroom Slippers

While most rehab centers do provide footies, they don't keep your feet very warm. A soft pair of bedroom slippers will keep your loved ones feet warmer, which can relieve foot problems. Poor circulation can lead to sore feet. A comfortable pair of slippers will be more soothing than a pair of thin footies.

If your loved one is in short-term rehab, you can help them adjust by providing comfortable clothing during their stay. This list will help you choose clothing that will be easier for your loved one to wear. Talk to a center like The Village At Morrisons Cove to learn more about what kind of clothing options are available for your loved one.

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Wed Jan 21, 2015

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I never considered for a moment that I was not completely healthy until I had a health scare last year. All at once, my life went from being carefree to constant doctors appointments, prescriptions, and hospital stays. It was a rude wake-up call. Once my health improved, I decided to create a blog for young people like me. I know how important it is to take care of my health, and I want others to understand this, too. By sharing my own experiences and also discussing the health issues that can come up, hopefully I can help someone else avoid the health problems I experienced.